WeHo Gay Nightlife – WeHoVille

WeHo Gay Nightlife

West Hollywood’s best dive bar? WeHo’s best sushi restaurant? Our city’s best barbershop, pet boarding place, Pilates studio? These are among the many categories we included on WEHOville’s Best Of ballot in August. The online voting turnout was great (and monitored by us geeks to make sure we weren’t being trolled — i.e. Putin didn’t vote, only you did).

We published the results in West Hollywood Magazine, our quarterly print publication, which was out last week and which you can find in news racks, restaurants and shops around the city.

Best of WeHo Night Life
Best Dive Bar

No. 1
Mother Lode
8944 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood
www.facebook.com/MotherLodeWestHollywood
(310) 659-9700

The word “mother lode” means something of great value. In West Hollywood, where good ole fashioned dive bars are scarce, Mother Lode is that.

Tucked between the very precious P.U.M.P., owned by reality TV celeb Lisa Vanderpump, and the forever-under-construction space where the restaurant Bottega Louie is opening (some day), is this bar that offers cheap drinks, a chance to play pool and some outdoor areas for smoking. The interior is, uh, rough. And dark. And very charming for those of us into that sort of venue.

And if you’re looking for an early drink, or a late one, Mother Lode is the place, with operating hours from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Full Story at Wehoville

Greater Los Angeles Gay Travel Resources

Your Host Inn Cuernavaca – Cuernavaca Gay Friendly Bed & Breakfast

Your Host Inn Cuernavaca

In 1991 Bill retired to this unique home that he built, designed and decorated. He now invites you to come and visit this Bed and Breakfast and enjoy the experience of some of the Mexican charm, cuisine and culture he has come to love. Making you comfortable is our full time job.

Enjoy gracious hospitality at YOUR HOST INN at the heart of downtown Cuernavaca. We are located in a conventional safe neighborhood only three blocks from the city center. The people are very friendly and hard working. There are several small family type restaurants with excellent food just a few steps away. You will also see some graffiti just like in New York, London, and Paris.

The property is an oasis, meticulously designed with stunning architectural and historical detail. Each tastefully appointed suite is decorated with Mexican handicrafts, and is equipped with private bath, king size beds, kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, and TV. Each of the four suites is dedicated to a Mexican artist.

Start your day with a full gourmet breakfast featuring glorious local produce, homemade breads and jams, as well as Mexican specialties. Relax in the rooftop orchid garden, with panoramic views of the city or enjoy the tranquility of the lush covered garden, brimming with rare tropical plants. Listen to the soothing sounds of the waterfall fountain, across from the open-air living room with fireplace.

Exploring Cuernavaca is easy–Taxis and mini buses are just outside our door. You are a short walk or taxi ride from the Central Market, historical Zocalo, Cortez Palace, Cathedral, museums and Borda Gardens, as well as many fine restaurants.

If you would like to explore the surrounding attractions, the central bus station is minutes away, or you can arrange for a private bilingual guide and chauffer service. Incomparable atmosphere and unmatched hospitality will make you feel that you have truly found a home away from home in Cuernavaca.

See the Your Host Inn Cuernavaca Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Cuernavaca Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Gay Colombia: Interview With Jesus From Barranquilla – Nomadic Boys

Gay Colombia

Despite its sordid history with the drugs cartels, Colombia has undergone a huge transformation to not only become one of the most gay friendly countries in Latin America, but in the world.

Catholicism is still strong here and society largely conservative, but despite this, same sex marriage was legalised in April 2016, with the first gay wedding taking place in Cali on 24 May 2016. In addition, Congress passed a law banning discrimination on sexual orientation in 2011, adoption was legalised in 2012 and the right to change legal gender has been in place since 1993.

Bogota and Medellin each have a thriving fun gay neighbourhood, especially Chapinero in Bogota where you can find the mega-club Theatron – the largest gay club in Latin America. As a gay couple travelling in Colombia, we were so pleasantly surprised by how gay friendly Colombia is. We felt extremely welcome and never had any problems anywhere.

In Cartagena, we met Jesus, who is an artist and a guide, who told us more about his gay life in Colombia and what it’s like growing up by the coast in Barranquilla.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Colombia Gay Travel Resources

Revival of the Postcard – Globetrotter Girls

Dani - Globetrotter Girls

Ever since I first started traveling, I have loved postcards. And I mean my very first trip, all the way back when I was a teenager and I went to Rome. I loved sitting down to write postcards, writing as small as possible to fit as much as I could on the card. Writing out every tidbit about the trip that I felt I needed to share.

And to this day, this hasn’t changed. No matter where I go, I always pick up a bunch of postcards to send to family and friends.

I personally love it when I go to the mailbox to get my mail and a colorful postcard peeks out between a pile of white envelopes, usually holding boring stuff like bills or bank statements. And I hope that the recipients of the postcards I send feel the same way about them.

WHY IS NOBODY SENDING ME POSTCARDS ANYMORE?

The whole concept of sending postcards has changed quite a bit since I sent those first postcards back in 1993 though – especially in recent years. It’s become rarer and rarer that I receive postcards. It seems like since people started traveling with smartphones it has become much more common to send a quick WhatsApp or text message instead of investing in an actual paper postcard, making the effort to go and buy a stamp, and to find a letter box to send it (which, let me tell you, isn’t always easy, as I learned last month when I walked through rural Spain and tried to post some postcards in smaller towns).

I get it. A quick message with a picture snapped on your phone is much more convenient. It’s easy. You can even do it from your sun chair by the pool, instead of having to deal with the hassle of going to find a post office.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Villa Merida – Merida Gay Bed & Breakfast

Villa Verde Merida - Merida Gay Bed & Breakfast

Come visit us at Merida’s Villa Verde Merida B&B/Boutique Inn – a lovely, restored 250 year-old colonial mansion and grounds in Merida’s “Centro” district. We’re close to everything!

Villa Verde features just five guest rooms to ensure your tranquility and comfort during your stay here in Merida. Your guest room features a private bath, premium linens and towels, upscale amenity products, free WiFi access, flat screen TV, safe, iPod/iPad charger, blow dryer, and much more.

We serve a complimentary breakfast each morning and a happy hour cocktail each evening in our bar.

Love to swim? Villa Verde has a large, sexy waterfall pool surrounded by sunny and shady areas, including our clothing optional rooftop deck.

You can also relax in our front portico courtyard, with five trickling fountains.

Our dining room has a guest computer, as well as a library of Merida maps and history. Read a book, share some margaritas in our outdoor lounge – or reserve a relaxing massage in our private tropical garden.

Villa Verde Merida is a gay owned, gay friendly home away from home while you explore beautiful Merida and the wonders of the Yucatan. We offer spa services, can arrange excursions, and are always here to help you with restaurant and bar referrals, details and directions.

Click on our website link for property details, services provided, and directions.

Michael and Robert welcome you to Villa Verde Merida – come join us!

See the Villa Verde Merida Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Villa Verde Merida Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Gay Manchester – Travel Weekly

Gay Manchester - Radsson Blu

Merely two hours from London by train or easily accessible with direct flights on Thomas Cook Airlines from Boston, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles or San Francisco, Manchester stands united far beyond its namesake soccer team, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQ community.

But Manchester’s gay history has had its upheavals, dating back to 1880 and the raiding of an all-male “fancy dress” ball in the Hulme district.

In 2005, rainbow mosaics were installed along the city streets to identify an LGBT Heritage Walk, which marks significant locales in Manchester’s queer history.

Certified guide and author Jonathan Schofield is a go-to for private tours, which can be customized to touch upon architecture, music and pub culture. Ninety-minute tours begin at $160.

By Matthew Wexler – Full Story at Travel Weekly

Manchester Gay Travel Resources

The Stunning Facade of Florence’s Duomo – Keep Calm and Wander

Florence's Duomo - Keep Calm and Wander

The stunning facade of Florence’s Duomo is one of its kind. It’s a great example of the Renaissance style which was born in Florence, Italy. Duomo, as the locals call it, has a longer name: Catedral Santa Maria del Fiore. In English, it is translated as, “Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers.” For lazy tourists who have problems remembering places, it would be known as Florence Cathedral.

The Stunning Facade of Florence Duomo. The whole facade of the church isn’t your typical church you see all over Italy or Spain. Its polychrome marble panels are bordered with hues of pink and green. The exterior is plastered with so many sculptures and frescoes of various sizes. Incredible patterns and amazing craftsmanships are ubiquitous wherever you stand. They can be dizzying if you’re fixated on them.

Gothic or Renaissance? Well, I was told that in its early construction, the church was designed as Gothic. But as it progressed, its Renaissance style became evident, too. Both styles were blended and resulted in a classical masterpiece which Florence is so proud of.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Florence Gay Travel Resources

Harissa: Where The Virgin Mary is Watching Over Lebanon – Keep Calm and Wander

Harissa - Alain

Lebanon is a predominantly Muslim country but it is the most open-minded muslim country I’ve ever been to. Beirut, as a capital, is littered with Christian churches and mosques. People of two different faiths live in harmony. It’s a city where I didn’t feel like I have to watch out what I do.

I never had that feeling of being paranoid. Sorry Dubai or Abu Dhabi but you still make me paranoid everything I go there (8 times in the past two years). There’s this constant feeling of being watchful – because you don’t wanna end up in jail by just accidentally touching a man’s hip, right? Beirut, on the other hand, has a carefree, relaxed air despite the horrible traffic in the city. The people are nice and the Lebanese men are – oh, boy, don’t get me talking about them. Let’s just say, they’re my type. LOL…

About Harissa. It is a small community on top of Mt. Lebanon where a huge statue of the Virgin Mary is watching down the city with open arms. To reach Harissa, you’ve got to go to Jounieh, a city just 27 kms outside Beirut. It would take an hour with the endless traffic. Or less. Once you reach Jounieh, take a 9-minute cable ride to the top of Mt. Lebanon. You can also drive up there by car but riding the cable would be more panoramic and satisfying.

Jounieh. This city is famous for its club and restaurants. In fact, it is the nightlife spot of Beirut. You can admire its stunning view of the bay when you’re up there in Harissa.

Biblical City. Do you know that Mary and Jesus used to live in Lebanon? It’s been said that Mary would wait for Jesus at a cave in Maghdouche while he preached in Sidon and nearby places.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Lebanon Gay Travel Resources

Our Last Day in Florence – Dolly Travels

Florence - Dolly Travels

Buon amiche,

Yes, I have to leave Florence again. This is always a sad day for me, for I love Florence, but, alas, I have to go away from my fairy tale world, and go back home again, and live my real life.

So, in parting, I thought I would leave here by giving you some pictures and commentary about my favorite city.

The other day, I just had to get out and walk all over the city. Frank is such an understanding, compassionate soul. He told me to go and enjoy myself.

I set out from the apartment, down our street toward the Duomo. I did not go into the mob of tourists, but turned to the right, found my way to the Arno by going through side streets and little alleys.

I just had to walk down via Tornabuoni, which has some of the most expensive stores in the the city. I don’t even own clothes fine enough to go into those stores, but I wouldn’t go into them, anyway; with their black-suited doormen, and the elegant men and women who are shopping there, I would definitely be a fish out of water.

I continued on my way, and crossed the Ponte Santa Trinità into the Oltrano area, the more bohemian neighborhoods of Florence.

I stopped on the bridge to take a picture of the Arno River, flowing underneath. It was such a lovely morning, I lingered a few moments to enjoy the serenity of that view, then I turned eastward, and followed the river for awhile.

I truly enjoyed being on the less crowded side of the Arno. Eventually, I turned south, walking through the Oltrano neighborhoods to get to the staircase that led up to the Piazzale Michelangelo.

Finally, at the top of the square is the bronze statue of David. He was worth the climb.

As I got to the railing, I could see so much of the beautiful city of Florence, with the Duomo in the background, the Church of Santa Croce behind the white buildings , the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza Signoria, at the left. As I took in the view, church bells all over the city started chiming the noon hour. All those bells, resounding over the city and up the hill to me, sent a delightful shiver up my spine.

On my way down the east side of the Piazzale, I came to the grotto. It used to have turtles in it, but they are not there any longer.

Soon I came to the river again, and followed to eastward to one more bridge, the Ponte S. Nicollo and crossed back to the main part of Florence.

In the early afternoon, I arrived back at our apartment building, but the day was still so beautiful, I had to go into the piazza just beyond, the Piazza S. Annunziata, and take a picture of Duke Ferdinando on his horse.

I had enjoyed a delightful walk, seeing so many of the places that I love. I knew that soon I would return to the city of Florence, for it indeed has become my second home, and one that keeps calling me back.

Fortunately, Frank was waiting for me, and we ventured out for an afternoon aperitif, while I told him of my day.

I will say, “Arrivederci ” now, for I have to pack and get ready to leave. Tomorrow morning we go to Rome, and stay near the airport there, and fly home on Wednesday.

I hope you have enjoyed this walk through Florence with me. I also hope that, if you have not been to Florence, you will see it some day, for it is a magical place.

Ciao for now,
Dolly

Chez Amis B&B Inn – Annapolis Gay Friendly Bed & Breakfast

Chez Amis B&B Inn - Annapolis Gay Friendly Bed & Breakfast

Come stay with us in Maryland’s state capital for a day, weekend or even a full week, and explore everything Annapolis has to offer.

Our Annapolis B&B offers four guest rooms in the historic downtown, close to the State Capitol building, St. John’s College, the Annapolis waterfront, city dock, the US Naval Academy, antique shops and wonderful Annapolis restaurants and night life, all within easy walking distance.

Chez Amis in French means “Among Friends”. Come stay with us and enjoy a great breakfast, comfortable lodging and plain old fashioned relaxation.

Each of our guest rooms includes a private television. Our common area is perfect for reading, conversation, and playing games, including Bananagrams and Scrabble. We also offer refreshments and homemade cookies throughout the day and night – sneak downstairs in the middle of the night for one last cookie, if you want.

Our dining area is a wonderful piece of carpentry that was built by the previous inn owner. It comfortably fits all of our guests but we also offer supplemental seating if you want a more intimate table.

We have a big collection of books, DVD’s and CD’s for your enjoyment during your stay. Or bring your e-reader or ipad, and use our free wireless access.

Looking for a warm, friendly place to stay in Annapolis? We’d love to have you at Chez Amis!

See the Chez Amis B&B Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Maryland Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals